MP hooch toll rises to 22, over 160 hospitalised

Sagar district authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry Banda (Sagar): The hooch death toll in Madhya Pradesh rose to 22, including a woman, while more than 160 people from villages around Banda in Sagar district were hospitalised by Monday after allegedly drinking what was sold as a cheaper alternative to liquor from an authorised shop over the weekend. The latest toll is based on accounts from villagers, hospital sources and cremation reports, though govt officials have yet to officially confirm the figure or establish the cause of death. A new brand sold for Rs 70 a quarter allegedly drew villagers to an illicit liquor because it was Rs 20 cheaper and familiar faces assured buyers it was genuine, according to an FIR at Banda police station, which names 20 accused and details how the alcohol was sold. Complainant Anup Singh Lodhi told police he and his nephew Rajendra went to an illicit outlet Friday and were told about the new brand, alleging the lower price and assurances from known sellers helped overcome doubts about the liquor's quality. Rajendra drank it, returned home and fell seriously ill Saturday. He was taken to Banda hospital and referred to Bundelkhand Medical College in Sagar, where he died. Victims suffered vomiting, unconsciousness and body tremors after drinking the liquor Saturday and Sunday. Some died during treatment at Banda and Sagar hospitals. Hospitalisations continued Monday, with several patients under treatment in Sagar and Bhopal. Sagar district authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry. Ten people, including those accused of selling and distributing spurious liquor, have been arrested. Police have registered an FIR against several people, including the liquor contractor. Those reported dead Monday included Mahesh Rawat, 55, Shyam Bai Ahirwar, 50, Krishna Kumar Lodhi, Bhagwan Singh, 35, Gopal Adivasi, 40, and Desh Kumar Lodhi. Ram Prasad Lodhi, who had been airlifted to Bhopal, died Sunday night after his father Govind Lodhi died earlier that day. Ram Prasad's younger brother Bhure Lodhi is hospitalised in Sagar. Vitthal Ahirwar said his mother Shyam Bai was alone at home while the family attended a relative's funeral. She allegedly ordered liquor from someone in the village and drank it. Her condition worsened late that night and she died during treatment at Sagar district hospital. Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla and state Congress chief Jitu Patwari visited affected areas. MP police are also tracing a suspected supply trail to Lalitpur in neighbouring UP. Lalitpur additional SP Kalu Singh denied illicit liquor was being brewed in the UP district and supplied to Sagar. 'The 20 named in the FIR registered at Banda are MP residents,' Singh said. Singh said Lalitpur police and excise department had arrested a liquor gang on May 4, including alleged kingpin Ravi Lakhaira and Chandresh Lodhi of MP — all of whom are now in jail. Those arrests should not be used to link the current deaths to Lalitpur, he added. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in Bhopal Stay updated with the latest Bhopal news. Download the TOI App.